Jade white skin with naturally rosy cheeks is an ideal for many women. Asian women are especially keen on white skin -- jade white is a classic description of beautiful skin. They spend vast sums on commercial whiteners to reduce skin pigmentation.

Rather than using chemicals and cosmetics, traditional Chinese medicine suggests sustained dietary therapy and acupressure as a way of life. There's an old Chinese saying: "White skin can help conceal 100 other defects in your appearance." Having perfectly white skin has always been an essential of Chinese beauty, though some trendy people like a healthy tan.

According to TCM, white skin with pink cheeks (peaches and cream) is a sign of good health, healthy energy flow and blood circulation. Some healthy people, of course, are born with dark skin and healthy people do tan.

Proper flow of energy and blood not only supports organs but also nourishes the muscles and skin. Insufficient or blocked internal energy can directly cause dark skin.

Many Chinese people offer congratulations on good health when they first see someone, saying qi se hao, ("energy color good"), meaning your complexion is good, you have good color.